A U Sparky Pty Ltd.
Master Electricians.

 

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Safety Switches.

Changes in the new edition reflect the increasing use of residual current devices "Safety Switches"(RCDs) to all socket outlets and lighting circuits rated up to 20 A and include restricting the number of circuits that can be connected to any one RCD and the required division of lighting circuits over RCDs."

The Wiring Rules legislate specific requirements to ensure that electrical devices, including RCDs, are installed and function safely, but this is a living document that's regularly updated to ensure it's always current on safety and best practice. In fact, we're waiting for the revised version to be released right now. The new Wiring Rules regulate the use of RCDs more stringently than before, contractors should make sure they understand what's required of them when installing RCDs. There is a danger of overlooking the changes and just designing and installing earth leakage systems like they've always done over the previous five, ten or twenty years. The fact is, RCD regulations have changed since many contractors were trained on them. So if they don't keep abreast with changes in the regulations, they're likely to either install them incorrectly, or struggle with requirements they weren't trained on. Either way, if they don't keep up with these changes, the consequences could be disastrous".

This now means no more than 3 circuits on each safety switch.
Lights must be on there own safety switch if there is more than two circuits on a property.